Barabbas

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Aramaic bar-abbā (“son of the father”), a patronymic-style name noted in the Passion narratives
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period (Roman Imperial Context)
• Main References: Matthew 27:15–26; Mark 15:6–15; Luke 23:18–25; John 18:39–40
• Key Connections: Pontius Pilate; the Jerusalem crowd; Jesus (released in his place)

Who was Barabbas?

Barabbas was a prisoner held by Roman authorities in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ trial.
The Gospels describe him as involved in insurrection, and as a murderer (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19).
John identifies him as a “robber” (John 18:40).

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: The crowd requested Barabbas’ release when Pilate offered to free one prisoner at Passover (Matt. 27:15–21).
• Event 2: Pilate released Barabbas and delivered Jesus to be flogged and crucified (Mark 15:14–15).
• Event 3: Barabbas was freed though he had been imprisoned for insurrection and murder (Luke 23:24–25).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Barabbas illustrates how public pressure and political calculation shaped the outcome of Jesus’ trial in the Roman provincial setting.

Key Verse

"A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising." — Mark 15:7, NIV